OMG!

Wow, didn

We made it

Freezing

Made it to camp after a bumpy 5hr bus ride, and the scenery is stunning

Why would someone actually want to run 250km across a foreign country whilst carrying everything they need to get by on their back? Well.. Why not? When I mention to people I have signed up to this race, I either get called crazy or insane, or I get asked why am I doing this?? Well... Why not?! I actually have other few reasons why.. 1) Its a unique way see another country (travelling in a car just makes me fall asleep), 2) its a great opportunity to meet like minded crazy people. 3) I hate to miss out on an adventure, and most importantly 4) I can raise money for the Cancer Society of NZ at the same time. The fact I will probably be spending 8hrs a day on my feet, whilst lugging a 9kg backpack is just a minor detail really ;-)

My friend signed up about a year ago and asked if I was interested in joining too. I didn't know anything about multi stage running at the time, and assumed it was just for those super fit, very athletic people (not someone like me who had only completed a half marathon a year before). I was intrigued however and wondered if I could physically and mentally do it (another reason, 5) to see if I actually have what it takes). I started researching and spent alot of time reading the help guides, and the blogs of past competitors to get an idea of what I might be getting myself into. My main concern was my fitness level - I was way slower than my friend, and not nearly as fit, but as he said - 'you've 12 months to train, just stick with it.' That sounded fair as long as I stuck with my training for 12 months, easy right?! I decided to enter my first 50km trail race last September (figured I might as well go big and jump straight into an ultra) this was to also help keep me motivated to train. I made a deal with myself then that if I completed the 50km then I would take on the Gobi. If I didn't complete it, then nope I wasn't signing up.

I survived the 50km (just), and for my 1st trail race I don't think I could have picked a more challenging one to enter (the nickname of The Most Brutal Trail should have given me some warning of what I was getting myself into haha) I actually enjoyed most of the race, but by the last stage I understood why it was given the brutal nickname. It was tough, so very tough - one foot in-front of the other and I got through it. I didn't quit which was the goal and a major confidence boost. (The fact you couldn't actually quit because you were literally in the middle of the jungle is another story ;-) No backing out now, I was committed to the entering the Gobi and have been preparing for it since.

I decided if I was going to do something as epic run 250km across Mongolia, it was as good a time as any to raise money for the Cancer Society in NZ, the Otago & Southland division. Its a great charity who help families and patients who have been diagnosed with cancer, raising awareness and running health campaigns in the region. As I grew up in this area, and my family still live in the area I felt it was the natural choice to raise money for them.

I posted on social media that I had planned to do this race, and the link to my charity page - totally overwhelmed so far with the generosity and support of friends and families who have donated , my original goal was $500 (Its way out of my comfort zone asking people to donate) and I have raised over $2k so far - unbelievable, and I can't thank everyone enough for the donations and kind words of encouragement.

https://give.everydayhero.com/nz/250km-run-across-the-gobi-desert

Only a few more days to go until we fly out to Mongolia - nervous & excited - I think I am actually more nervous right now that the airline may loose my bag on the way there - I have most of my essentials ready to go as carry on, but as there is only a limit of 5kgs alot of gear will be in the checked bag... I will have all fingers and toes crossed it makes it, and guess that's all part of the adventure!

Last long run was completed on Saturday with an epic 64km run.

I can't believe in 5 more weeks I will be in Mongolia starting